Afghan war hero claims he was barred from pub over facial scars

KEPT OUT: Former soldier James Dalby was denied entry to a bar in York [ROSS PARRY]

James Dalby believes he was turned away after a bouncer noticed his face was covered in wounds.

The 23-year-old was medically discharged from the Army after suffered third degree burns to his face, a fractured eye socket and broken leg while serving in Afghanistan.

He was stunned when the doorman refused him entry to Yates’s bar in York, although the company claims he was refused under its dress code.

“I got refused for something I can’t control. I was not drunk and I wasn’t being disorderly”

Ex-soldier James Dalby

When a friend asked why, the bouncer allegedly said: “It’s because of the scars.”

James’s pals told the doorman the Royal Dragoon Guardsman was injured fighting for his country, but he refused to back down.

“I got refused for something I can’t control,” the ex-soldier said. “I was not drunk and I wasn’t being disorderly. One of my friends asked why wasn’t he letting me in. He said it was because I was dressed too casual.

“Then she said: ‘What’s the real reason?’ He said: ‘Because of the facial scars.’

RIVERSIDE BAR: James Dalby was turned away from a Yates's in York [ROSS PARRY]

“It would be nice to get a public apology and for people to be aware that it goes on.

“To be refused for being an ex-serviceman with facial scars angers me.’’

Pal Matt Rayner, 25, said: “It was disgusting. We told the bouncer it was because of Afghanistan. I thought he might have shown some respect.”

Today Yates denied that James was banned, but admitted: “We can confirm that a group of customers were refused entry at one of our sites because they did not meet the dress code in place for that evening which applies to the wearing of sportswear/hooded tops.

"This dress code is in operation on all weekend nights and applies to everyone for their safety and to comply with our licensing conditions.

“As a business we have a long standing relationship with not only Help for Heroes but a number of forces charities.

"The Yates' businesses alone raised over £125,000 for Help for Heroes during its 125-year birthday event which is being used to help create a new rehabilitation area at Headley Court.

"In addition we are part of a wider agreement with the Ministry of Defence that guarantees any soldier, airman or sailor who leaves the forces an interview at one of our premises.

"We are very proud and supportive of all our forces and welcome their personnel across the country in all of our 625 sites.”